US says it wants Cubans to have more freedoms

The U.S called for more economic freedom in Cuba
© AFP Adalberto Roque

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States reacted Tuesday to the Cuban Communist Party congress’ approval of modest economic reform tweaks in the Americas’ only one-party communist regime, saying it wanted Cubans to have more freedom.

“We remain focused on getting Cuban people more access to freedom of information and other aspects,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters when asked about changes announced by Cuban President Raul Castro and the party in Havana, and how they might affect strained bilateral ties.

“It is an internal process there,” Toner added.

Cubans will be able to buy and sell homes and cars for the first time in 50 years under economic reforms approved at the party congress. Raul Castro took over from his elder brother Fidel as head of the ruling Communist Party as expected during the rare four-day congress, which fell short of promises to rejuvenate a ruling old guard.

The United States and nearby Cuba do not have full diplomatic ties. Washington has had an economic embargo clamped on Havana for more than four decades.

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